Summary
Chapter 57
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
After Lady Catherine storms off, Elizabeth is shaken but also strangely hopeful. She pieces together how the engagement rumors started - people seeing Bingley with Jane naturally assumed Darcy and Elizabeth would pair off too, and the gossip spread from the Lucases to the Collinses to Lady Catherine. Elizabeth realizes something crucial: Lady Catherine wouldn't have bothered making this trip unless she thought there was real danger of the engagement happening. Which means Darcy must have shown continued interest in her. The visit that was meant to intimidate Elizabeth actually gives her hope. She starts to wonder - if Darcy proposed again, would she accept? The answer is obvious: yes, absolutely. But she's convinced it won't happen. Darcy must know by now about Lydia's marriage to Wickham, making him brother-in-law to the man he despises most. Why would he subject himself to that family connection? Elizabeth also realizes she can never properly thank him for saving Lydia since acknowledging his role would mean admitting he went through all that trouble for her sake, which feels too presumptuous. She's caught in an agonizing limbo - knowing her own heart, suspecting he might still care, but seeing no way forward. This chapter perfectly captures that awful state of hoping for something you're sure you can't have.
Coming Up in Chapter 58
When Darcy unexpectedly returns to Longbourn with Bingley, Elizabeth will finally get the chance she's been desperately hoping for - but will she have the courage to take it?
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An excerpt from the original text.(~500 words)
LVII. [Illustration] The discomposure of spirits which this extraordinary visit threw Elizabeth into could not be easily overcome; nor could she for many hours learn to think of it less than incessantly. Lady Catherine, it appeared, had actually taken the trouble of this journey from Rosings for the sole purpose of breaking off her supposed engagement with Mr. Darcy. It was a rational scheme, to be sure! but from what the report of their engagement could originate, Elizabeth was at a loss to imagine; till she recollected that _his_ being the intimate friend of Bingley, and _her_ being the sister of Jane, was enough, at a time when the expectation of one wedding made everybody eager for another, to supply the idea. She had not herself forgotten to feel that the marriage of her sister must bring them more frequently together. And her neighbours at Lucas Lodge, therefore, (for through their communication with the Collinses, the report, she concluded, had reached Lady Catherine,) had only set _that_ down as almost certain and immediate which _she_ had looked forward to as possible at some future time. In revolving Lady Catherine’s expressions, however, she could not help feeling some uneasiness as to the possible consequence of her persisting in this interference. From what she had said of her resolution to prevent the marriage, it occurred to Elizabeth that she must meditate an application to her nephew; and how he might take a similar representation of the evils attached to a connection with her she dared not pronounce. She knew not the exact degree of his affection for his aunt, or his dependence on her judgment, but it was natural to suppose that he thought much higher of her Ladyship than _she_ could do; and it was certain, that in enumerating the miseries of a marriage with _one_ whose immediate connections were so unequal to his own, his aunt would address him on his weakest side. With his notions of dignity, he would probably feel that the arguments, which to Elizabeth had appeared weak and ridiculous, contained much good sense and solid reasoning. If he had been wavering before, as to what he should do, which had often seemed likely, the advice and entreaty of so near a relation might settle every doubt, and determine him at once to be as happy as dignity unblemished could make him. In that case he would return no more. Lady Catherine might see him in her way through town; and his engagement to Bingley of coming again to Netherfield must give way. “If, therefore, an excuse for not keeping his promise should come to his friend within a few days,” she added, “I shall know how to understand it. I shall then give over every expectation, every wish of his constancy. If he is satisfied with only regretting me, when he might have obtained my affections and hand, I shall soon cease to regret him at all.” The surprise of the rest of the family, on...
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Intelligence Amplifier™ Analysis
Why This Matters
Connect literature to life
This chapter teaches how to identify whose opinions actually matter by examining their knowledge of your authentic self and their investment in your genuine wellbeing.
Now let's explore the literary elements.
Terms to Know
Paternal approval
A father's blessing on his daughter's marriage choice. In Austen's time, this was both legally and socially crucial - fathers had significant control over their daughters' futures. Elizabeth values her father's opinion because she respects his judgment, not just his authority.
First impressions
Initial judgments we make about people based on limited information. The novel's original title was 'First Impressions' because it explores how our snap judgments can be completely wrong. Elizabeth had to overcome her initial dislike of Darcy to see his true character.
Intellectual equality
A partnership where both people can challenge and stimulate each other's minds. This was rare in marriages of Austen's era, where women were often seen as intellectually inferior. Mr. Bennet recognizes that Elizabeth needs this kind of mental connection to be happy.
Marriage for convenience
Marrying for practical reasons like money, social status, or security rather than love. This was extremely common in the 1800s, especially for women with little inheritance. Mr. Bennet feared Elizabeth might settle for this kind of arrangement.
Character judgment
The ability to see someone's true moral worth beneath surface appearances. Elizabeth has learned to look past wealth, status, and first impressions to recognize genuine goodness. This skill is crucial for making good life decisions.
Parental validation
Getting confirmation from a parent that you're making the right choice. Even as adults, we often seek approval from parents we respect. Elizabeth needs her father's blessing because his opinion matters more to her than society's.
Characters in This Chapter
Elizabeth Bennet
Protagonist
She reveals her engagement to her father and explains her transformation from disliking to loving Darcy. This shows her growth in self-awareness and her ability to admit when she was wrong about someone.
Mr. Bennet
Supportive father
Initially shocked by Elizabeth's choice, he moves from concern to genuine happiness when he understands her feelings. His reaction shows how well he knows his daughter and what she needs to be fulfilled in marriage.
Mr. Darcy
Absent fiancé
Though not physically present, he's the focus of the conversation. Elizabeth's description of him reveals how completely her opinion has changed and how much she's learned about seeing past surface impressions.
Key Quotes & Analysis
"I know your disposition, Lizzy. I know that you could be neither happy nor respectable, unless you truly esteemed your husband."
Context: He explains why he was initially concerned about her engagement to Darcy.
This shows how well Mr. Bennet understands his daughter's character. He knows Elizabeth needs genuine respect and admiration in marriage, not just security or social advancement.
"Indeed he has no improper pride. He is perfectly amiable."
Context: She defends Darcy's character to her father.
This complete reversal from her earlier opinions shows Elizabeth's growth. She can now see Darcy's true nature and articulate why she loves him without embarrassment.
"If any young men come for Mary or Kitty, send them away directly, for I am quite at leisure."
Context: His humorous response after giving Elizabeth his blessing.
This joke shows Mr. Bennet's relief and happiness. He's moved from worry to joy, and his humor indicates he's completely comfortable with Elizabeth's choice.
Thematic Threads
Validation
In This Chapter
Elizabeth seeks her father's blessing not from duty but because his opinion matters—he knows her character and needs
Development
Evolved from seeking approval from society to valuing judgment from those who truly know her
In Your Life:
When making important life decisions, whose opinion do you truly value and why—and how has that changed as you've grown older?
Personal Growth
In This Chapter
Elizabeth can now articulate her feelings for Darcy without defensiveness, showing emotional maturity
Development
Culmination of her journey from reactive judgments to thoughtful self-awareness
In Your Life:
Can you think of a time when you were able to discuss a difficult topic or admit feelings without getting defensive, and what helped you reach that level of emotional maturity?
Marriage
In This Chapter
Mr. Bennet's relief that Elizabeth chose love with respect over convenience reveals what makes marriages work
Development
Contrasts sharply with the Bennet marriage and other convenience-based unions shown throughout
In Your Life:
What qualities do you believe are essential for a successful long-term relationship, and how do they differ from what might seem practical or convenient?
Class
In This Chapter
Mr. Bennet's concerns aren't about Darcy's wealth but about Elizabeth's authentic happiness
Development
Shows how true worth transcends social position—a theme that's been building since Elizabeth first misjudged Darcy
In Your Life:
When evaluating potential partners or friends, do you focus more on their status and achievements or on whether they genuinely care about your happiness?
Pride
In This Chapter
Elizabeth's ability to admit she was wrong about Darcy shows healthy pride—confidence without defensiveness
Development
Transformed from stubborn pride that refused to see truth to mature pride that can acknowledge growth
In Your Life:
Can you recall a recent situation where you admitted you were wrong about someone or something—what made you confident enough to acknowledge that growth?
You now have the context. Time to form your own thoughts.
Discussion Questions
- 1
What concerns does Mr. Bennet express when Elizabeth tells him about her engagement to Darcy, and how does she address them?
- 2
Why does Mr. Bennet's opinion matter so much to Elizabeth, especially compared to her mother's reaction?
- 3
Think about a time when someone who knew you well questioned a decision you were making. How did their perspective help or challenge you?
- 4
When facing a major life choice, how do you decide whose opinion to seek and whose to ignore? What makes someone qualified to give you advice?
- 5
What does this scene reveal about the difference between seeking approval and seeking wisdom from people who truly know us?
Critical Thinking Exercise
Map Your Validation Network
Think of a significant decision you're currently considering or recently made. List three people whose opinion would matter to you about this choice. For each person, write down why their perspective carries weight with you - what do they know about you that makes their input valuable? Then identify one person whose approval you might want but whose opinion shouldn't actually influence this decision, and explain why.
Consider:
- •Consider whether each person knows your values and patterns, or just your public image
- •Think about whether they have your authentic best interests at heart, not just what looks good
- •Reflect on whether their life experience gives them insight into your specific situation
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 58
What lies ahead teaches us key events and character development in this chapter, and shows us thematic elements and literary techniques. These patterns appear in literature and life alike.